dated April 11, 1950: Indo-Pak. agreement

An agreement was signed in New Delhi after the talks between the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan. Commenting on the development, an Editorial said, ``The document is brief, but it goes to the heart of the matter. It is based on acceptance by Pakistan and India is of the view that only a democratic State can meet the requirements of our times. The agreement states that complete equality of citizenship shall be accorded to minorities in both the countries, and that members of the minorities shall have equal opportunity with members of the majority community to participate in the public life of the country, to hold political or other office, and to serve in their country's civil and armed forces...It will be remembered that Mr. Nehru had proposed some time ago that the two States should agree not to resort to the arbitrament of war over any issue. We considered it a pity that the Prime Minister of Pakistan could not see his way to endorse that suggestion. It is all the more satisfactory to note now Mr. Liaqat Ali Khan's categorical affirmation in the Pakistan Parliament that `in the interests of both India and Pakistan, as in the interests of world peace, it is essential that we should settle all outstanding issues by peaceful means, and promote the growth of friendship and good neighbourly relations between the two countries.' Even more important than the conclusion of this agreement is the realisation on both sides that it must be regarded as but the first step in a long process of active restoration of mutual confidence and friendliness.''

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